Respect the River Day 2: Harrisburg and Hershey, PA

On Friday (see also Thursday) I drove from York, PA to Harrisburg to observe the flooding. The crest of the river happened earlier and lower than predicted when rain avoided the area Thursday, but there was still plenty underwater. In fact, these are the most impressive flood photos and videos that I have ever taken. Click here to view all photos enlarged on my WeatherMatrix Facebook page.

I picked up Pennsylvania Storm Chaser Mike Brulo so I wouldn't get lost in town and could route around closed roads. The river gauge was already falling when we took these photos (at the arrow above), but you could see the high water lines on some structures.

Because the flood was less than expected and the water never made it to much of town, foot traffic was still allowed on the Market Street bridge to City Island. But there was plenty of stuff under water, especially on the IIsland, where I filed this "best of" video clip collection:

The next stop was Hershey, PA, where the Swatara Creek had risen an incredible 17 feet Wednesday and Thursday, but was quickly dropping back down. Due to closed roads, there was only one way in, but it showed the devastation well.

Later this weekend or Monday, I'll pull out some specific pictures that tell this story of the worst floods in 40 years, and give more commentary and maps of my trip.